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Matheny not lobbying Bochy about All-Star rosters

Matheny not lobbying Bochy about All-Star rosters

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By Jenifer Langosch
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MLB.com |

OAKLAND -- With All-Star Game voting wrapping up this week, Giants manager Bruce Bochy will begin the process of filling out the remaining openings on the National League team that he will manage. During that process, he will not be hearing from Cardinals manager Mike Matheny -- at least not directly.

Matheny said he will refrain from calling Bochy to lobby specifically for any of his players. He has, however, talked to some mutual friends who may have Bochy's ear.

"The guy has been doing this a long time and has been building up some Hall of Fame credentials. He knows what he's doing," Matheny said. "I'm not sure I have much of a say. But we have a good relationship and have some mutual friends. I threw some things out there."

The Cardinals have at least a half-dozen players with All-Star credentials through the first half of the season. As of the latest National League voting update, Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina were leading at their respective positions. Matt Carpenter had gained enough ground, too, that he could make a run at earning the starting assignment at second.

Carpenter should receive strong consideration as a reserve if he is not voted in. Allen Craig, who entered Sunday second in the league in RBIs, also could make a case for inclusion. On the pitching side, Adam Wainwright should have a place on the NL staff. Edward Mujica, now 21-for-21 in save opportunities, will be discussed as well.

Players and coaches were required to submit their ballots by Sunday. A select number of pitchers and reserve players will be chosen through this balloting. Fan voting for the starters concludes at the end of the day Thursday. On Tuesday, Major League Baseball will provide one final update of where the voting stands.

Next Saturday, both league rosters will be announced and the two managers will unveil their five candidates in the Final Vote competition.